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Outcome Evaluation (outcome + evaluation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	66%
Psychology	27%

Selected Abstracts

Outcome Evaluation of ,Sharing the Gift of Life': An Organ and Tissue Donation Educational Program for American Indians

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2010
N. L. Fahrenwald
Culturally focused education about deceased donation is needed for American Indians (AIs). This study tested a program designed to impact intention to serve as a deceased donor for reservation dwelling AIs. A pre/posttest design and a community-based participatory research approach were used. The study was based upon the Transtheoretical Model. Adult participants (N = 1580, 58% women) were from four Northern Plains reservations. An outreach coordinator delivered the program using print and video materials. The outcome was stage of motivational readiness (SMR) to serve as a deceased donor. McNemar's test was used to compare pre- to postintervention changes in SMR. At baseline, 55% of participants were not thinking about being a donor (precontemplation stage) and 45% were thinking about it (contemplation stage). Postintervention, 43.1% of participants were unchanged in SMR and 56.9% progressed in SMR. Of those who progressed, 26.5% (n = 418) changed to the contemplation stage, 19.4% (n= 306) changed to the preparation stage (signed a donor card or joined a registry), and 11.1% (n = 175) confirmed a discussion of the decision with family (action stage). Progression in SMR from pre/post was significant, ,2(1) = 18.32, p < 0.05. The intervention resulted in important changes in deceased donor intentions for reservation dwelling AIs. [source]

Efficacy of interpersonal therapy-group format adapted to post-traumatic stress disorder: an open-label add-on trial

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2010
Rosaly F.B. Campanini MSc.
Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent condition, yet available treatments demonstrate only modest efficacy. Exposure therapies, considered by many to be the "gold-standard" therapy for PTSD, are poorly tolerated by many patients and show high attrition. We evaluated interpersonal therapy, in a group format, adapted to PTSD (IPT-G PTSD), as an adjunctive treatment for patients who failed to respond to conventional psychopharmacological treatment. Methods: Research participants included 40 patients who sought treatment through a program on violence in the department of psychiatry of Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). They had received conventional psychopharmacological treatment for at least 12 weeks and failed to have an adequate clinical response. After signing an informed consent, approved earlier by the UNIFESP Ethics Review Board, they received a semi-structured diagnostic interview (SCID-I), administered by a trained mental health worker, to confirm the presence of a PTSD diagnosis according to DSM-IV criteria. Other instruments were administered, and patients completed out self-report instruments at baseline, and endpoint to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the trial, but all had at least one second outcome evaluation. There were significant improvements on all measures, with large effect sizes. Conclusions: IPT-G PTSD was effective not only in decreasing symptoms of PTSD, but also in decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It led to significant improvements in social adjustment and quality of life. It was well tolerated and there were few dropouts. Our results are very preliminary; they need further confirmation through randomized controlled clinical trials. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Scaling and Testing Multiplicative Combinations in the Expectancy,Value Model of Attitudes

JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 9 2008
Icek Ajzen
This article examines the multiplicative combination of belief strength by outcome evaluation in the expectancy,value model of attitudes. Because linear transformation of a belief strength measure results in a nonlinear transformation of its product with outcome evaluation, use of unipolar or bipolar scoring must be empirically justified. Also, the claim that the Belief × Evaluation product fails to explain significant variance in attitudes is found to be baseless. In regression analyses, the main effect of belief strength takes account of the outcome's valence, and the main effect of outcome evaluation incorporates the outcome's perceived likelihood. Simulated data showed that multiplication adds substantially to the prediction of attitudes only when belief and evaluation measures cover the full range of potential scores. [source]

Self-care agency and factors related to this agency among patients with hypertension

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2007
Asiye Durmaz Akyol
Aims and objectives., The aim of this study is to assess the self-care agency and factors regarding this agency among patients with hypertensions. Design., This study, descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional in nature, was conducted to evaluate the self-care agency of 120 hypertensive patients at the Cardiology and Internal Diseases Polyclinic of University of Ege, Faculty of Medicine; ,zmir Atatürk State Hospital; University of Selçuk, Faculty of Medicine; and Karaman State Hospital between July and August 2003. Methods., The data were collected by using the self-care agency scale and a questionnaire designed to determine the socio demographic features, and evaluated by means of percentage calculation and chi-square tests. Results., The mean self-care agency rate of the patients in general was moderate. It was determined that educational situation and social insurance affected self-care. Conclusion., Self-care agency and health are related to economic, social and educational factors. Relevance to clinical practice., Data obtained could be used for policy formulation, health planning, outcome evaluation of instruments, better health education strategies and, ultimately, to demonstrate the worth of nursing in the marketplace. [source]

Effects of psychoeducation for offenders in a community correctional facility

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
Albert K. Liau
The present study provided a randomized outcome evaluation of the psychoeducational component of the EQUIP program. The psychoeducational curriculum was implemented in a community correctional facility for adult felony offenders. The psychoeducational curriculum is designed to remedy offenders' delays in moral judgment maturity, social cognitive distortions, and social skill deficiencies. The participants were 316 felony offenders, 71% male, aged 18 to 61 years. Relative to a control group, participants who received portions of the curriculum reported fewer serious institutional violations. Female, but not male participants, who received the curriculum were less likely to recidivate than those in the control group at six months. Reductions in mediating factors,cognitive distortion for males and social skills for females,were associated with fewer serious institutional violations. Levels of substance abuse, exposure to violence, and number of serious violations were found to predict recidivism at six months. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 543,558, 2004. [source]

Implementing a community intervention to reduce young people's risks for getting HIV: Unraveling the complexities

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
Maretha J. Visser
The ineffectiveness of community-based interventions can often be traced to problems that occur during implementation. In this study, we outline the implementation of a human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention program in an educational setting in South Africa. An action research approach was used in the implementation of the intervention and a process and outcome evaluation, integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods, was made. The research illustrated the various levels of interaction in the community and the complexity of the processes involved in the implementation of interventions to facilitate community change. Social ecological theory, systems theory, and the social constructional approach are used to clarify the complexities of the implementation of community interventions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 145,165, 2004. [source]

Follow the patient: process and outcome evaluation of medical students' educational experiences accompanying outpatients

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2006
Kei Mukohara
Background, To instil patient-centred attitudes in medical students, several medical schools in Japan have recently started to offer educational experiences in which medical students accompany outpatients throughout entire visits to hospitals. Objective, To evaluate the processes and outcomes of the educational experience of Year 5 medical students accompanying outpatients at Nagoya University Hospital. Methods, An integrated, multimethod approach was adopted using a written survey with open-ended questions for students, focus groups with students, and a written evaluation survey for patients. In all, 99 students completed the survey, 19 students participated in 3 focus groups, and 46 patients participated in the evaluation. Results, Many students were sceptical about the objectives of the exercise. We were able to gain insight into student perceptions about facets of the exercise such as the ratio of students to patients and whether or not students should wear white coats. In particular, there was consensus among students about the importance of the debriefing session after the experience. Students achieved different learning outcomes depending on their particular individual experiences. In the student survey, 49% were satisfied with this experience, 6% were dissatisfied, and 43% were neither. In contrast, patients were highly satisfied with the experience (mean score 4.2 out of 5.0 on a Likert scale). Some students expressed concern about being a burden to patients, while many patients reported feeling emotionally supported by being accompanied by students. Conclusion, An integrated approach to programme evaluation, using quantitative and qualitative methods, was useful in the process and outcome evaluation of this new educational experience. The results have been taken into consideration for quality improvement of this curricular element. [source]

Finnish Allergy Programme 2008,2018 , time to act and change the course

ALLERGY, Issue 6 2008
T. Haahtela
Background:, The prevalence of allergic diseases has grown in Finland, similarly to many other western countries. Although the origin of allergy remains unresolved, increasing body of evidence indicates that the modern man living in urban built environment is deprived from environmental protective factors (e.g. soil microorganisms) that are fundamental for normal tolerance development. The current dogma of allergen avoidance has not proved effective in halting the ,epidemic', and it is the Finnish consensus that restoring and strengthening tolerance should more be in focus. Aim:, The national 10-year programme is aimed to reduce burden of allergies. The main goals are to (i) prevent the development of allergic symptoms; (ii) increase tolerance against allergens; (iii) improve the diagnostics; (iv) decrease work-related allergies; (v) allocate resources to manage and prevent exacerbations of severe allergies and (vi) decrease costs caused by allergic diseases. Methods:, For each goal, specific tasks, tools and evaluation methods are defined. Nationwide implementation acts through the network of local co-ordinators (primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists). In addition, three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) take care of the programme implementation. The 21 central hospital districts carry out a three step educational process: (i) healthcare personnel; (ii) representatives and educators of NGOs and (iii) patients and the general population. For outcome evaluation, repeated surveys are performed and healthcare registers employed at the beginning, at 5 years, and at the end of the programme. The process will be evaluated by an independent external body. Conclusion:, The Finnish initiative is a comprehensive plan to reduce burden of allergies. The aim is to increase immunological tolerance and change attitudes to support health instead of medicalizing common and mild allergy symptoms. It is time to act, when allergic individuals are becoming a majority of western populations and their numbers are in rapid increase worldwide. The Programme is associated with the Global Alliance of Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), WHO. [source]

Practice development: purpose, methodology, facilitation and evaluation

NURSING IN CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2003
Kim Manley
Summary ,Different approaches to practice development are associated with different assumptions, and these need to be made explicit if practice development is to be transparent, rigorous and systematic in its intentions and approaches ,A practice development methodology underpinned by critical social science is advocated because it focuses on achieving sustainable change through practitioner enlightenment, empowerment and emancipation and an associated culture, rather than focusing only on technical practice development ,Implications of different worldviews about practice development for facilitation and outcome evaluation are highlighted ,Emancipatory practice development underpinned by critical social science is argued as synonymous to emancipatory action research [source]

Challenges to achieving sustainable community health development within a donor aid business model

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2010
Helen Ashwell
Abstract Objective: This paper explores the paradox of donor aid being delivered through a business model through a case study in Papua New Guinea. Methods: A retrospective review of project implementation and an outcome evaluation provided an opportunity to examine the long-term results and sustainability of a large project. Analysis was informed by data collected from 175 interviews (national, provincial, district and village), 93 community discussions and observations across 10 provinces. Results: Problems with the business model of delivering aid were evident from implementation data and in an evaluation conducted two years after project completion (2006). Compounding the business model effect were challenges of over-ambitious project goals with limited flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, a donor payment system requiring short-term productivity and excessive reporting requirements. Conclusion: An overly ambitious project design, donor dominance within the business model and limited local counterpart capacity created problems in the community initiatives component of the project. Contractual pressures can negatively influence long-term outcomes that require development of local leadership and capacity. Future planning for donor project designs needs to be flexible, smaller in scope and have a longer timeframe of seven to 10 years. Implications: Donor-funded projects need to be sufficiently flexible to apply proven principles of community development, build local ownership and allow adequate time to build counterpart knowledge and skills. [source]

Outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: relation between cognitive performance and neuroimaging

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2005
A. Egge
Objective,,, To assess the cognitive impairment and the association between neuropsychological measures and neuroimaging 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Method,,, Forty-two patients were examined clinically according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Computed tomography (CT), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and neuropsychological examination were performed. Results,,, There were no association between GOS and cognitive impairment index based on the neuropsychological examination. CT showed no sign of cerebral ischemia in 17 (40%) and low attenuating areas indicating cerebral infarction(s) in 25 (60%) patients. A significant correlation (P = 0.01) was observed between the cognitive impairment index and the SPECT index (r = 0.6). SPECT measurement was the only independent predictor for cognitive impairment. Conclusion,,, GOS is a crude outcome measure and patients classified with good recoveries may have significant cognitive deficits. Neuropsychological examination is the preferred method for outcome evaluation as this method specifically addresses the disabilities affecting patients' everyday life. [source]

Pragmatic post-structuralism (II): an outcomes evaluation of a stopping violence programme

JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2001
Mandy Morgan
Abstract This paper reports features of a distinctly post-structuralist ,outcome evaluation' of a New Zealand stopping violence programme for men who have assaulted their spouses. Through analysis of pre- and post-programme interviews it was found that the men's accounts of their violence shifted as a consequence of their participation in and exposure to the programme's discursive resources. Overall the men's accounts demonstrated movement towards taking greater ownership and responsibility for their actions. However this trend was not universal and was mitigated through other pre-programme discursive resources. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Alcohol dependence and depression: Advance practice nurse interventions

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2006
PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), Tracey L. Fowler RN
Abstract Purpose: To identify alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as common health problems in the United States. To emphasize advance practice nurse (APN) interventions including screening, treatment, and outcome evaluations for individuals and their families suffering with alcohol dependence and depression. Data sources: Scientific literature on alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as well as general systems theory. Conclusions: APNs have the opportunity to successfully intervene with individuals and their family with alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity. These complex health conditions need to be screened for, treated, and evaluated to ensure positive outcomes for the individual and their family system. Implications for practice: APNs are in an excellent position to intervene at every contact with the individual and family with alcohol dependence and depression. Interventions aimed at the individual and family system are detailed in order to assist the individual and family to optimal health. [source]

Culturally competent school assessment: Performance measures of personality

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 3 2007
Richard Dana
Performance measures of personality,narratives, Rorschach, and drawing techniques,provide continuing comprehensive assessment resources for school psychologists. These measures are examined for assets, limitations, and applications consistent with a new practice model for culturally competent school-based services. Cultural competency is informed by a generic training model and illustrated by contents of a public sector California training program. Expanding cultural competency training opportunities in all school psychology programs can integrate assessment, intervention, and outcome evaluations using performance measures within a context of guidelines and ethical responsibilities. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 229,241, 2007. [source]

Robot-assisted surgery in gynaecology

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Martin K. OEHLER
Robotic surgery is the latest development in minimal invasive surgery. It provides superior visualisation and dexterity and therefore allows the surgeon to perform complex tasks that would exceed his/her abilities with conventional laparoscopy and would be associated with an increased morbidity if performed by laparotomy. Current evidence demonstrates the feasibility and safety of this technology in gynaecology. The costs of robotic surgery remain one of the main sources of controversy but are expected to come down with further developments of the technology. If evidence-based long-term outcome evaluations show the superiority of robotic surgery in comparison to conventional laparoscopic and open surgery, this technology will have a major impact on gynaecological surgery. [source]

The effectiveness of a programme of enhancing resiliency by reducing family boundary ambiguity among children with epilepsy

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9-10 2010
Pei-Fan Mu
Aim and objectives., The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a programme designed to reduce family boundary ambiguity in families who care for children with epilepsy. Background., When parents are caring for an epileptic child, they may experience unclear perceptions about whether the child is psychologically included in the family and develop unclear expectations regarding role performance in the family. Some studies have identified boundary ambiguity as a possible antecedent to relationship problems that are associated with negative outcomes in the areas of parental well-being and family functioning. There is a need to develop family nursing interventions that will reduce family boundary ambiguity when the family is caring for children with epilepsy. Design., A pretest, post-test, one group, quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Methods., This study was made up of three phases: first, the establishing of a parental needs checklist and the development of a parental education information handbook; second, the carrying out of a family assessment including the analysis of the meaning of their experiences and needs and the construction of an educational dialogue and finally, an outcomes evaluation after three months. Seventeen mothers participated in the study. Results., The study found that there were statistically significant improvements in family boundary ambiguity and maternal depression was reduced. Conclusions., This study illustrates nursing intervention that involves the integrating of phenomenological principles into the nursing care process. Specifically, Husserlian phenomenology is able to be helpful to nursing practice, especially the concepts of intentionality, intersubjectivity, empathy and bracketing. Relevance to clinical practice., This study supported the conceptual framework involved in the construction of the meaning of the situation, the enhancement of mastery over the situation and reconstruction of identity. These items are resiliency factors that provided a mechanism that helps to reduce boundary ambiguity when a family is caring for a child with epilepsy. [source]